The Congress on Saturday came down heavily on the Modi Government saying its economic policies had a cascading effect on day-to-day lives of common people.
The party accused that the Narendra Modi Government was responsible for spiraling prices of essential commodities and rising cost of petroleum products, describing these as a new year gift given to the people of the country. 'It is gift of Mahangai," said former Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Anil Sharma while addressing a Press conference here.
Sharma said that on the very first day of 2022 the Modi Government gave a new year gift to all of us in the form of inflation 2022. The new inflation is coupled with a consistently high unemployment rate above 7.5%, he told.
He said the inflationary pressure is mounting, with November 2021 wholesale price index (WPI) at 14.23%, which is at over 10 years high, and its impact is likely to be felt more imminently.
He pointed out that finished goods such as apparel and textiles are set to get more expensive from January 1, 2022, with the Union Government increasing the GST on such items from 5% to 12%.
“Due to the opposition of the Congress party and the Congress-ruled States and fearing an impact on the forthcoming elections in the five States, this increase has now been postponed till February 28 in a hurry,” said Sharma.
The Congress leader said over 15 lakh jobs in main and ancillary units would be lost because of raised GST.
“As unorganised sector accounts for over 80% of fabric production in the country, raising the GST on fabrics to 12% will hurt power loom and handloom weavers' business and employment,” Sharma cautioned.
He stated that fast moving consumer goods prices would increase by up to 10%. Be it Dabur, Parle, Britannia, Marico or other companies, everyone is raising the prices of everything from biscuits to soap.
"Additionally withdrawing our own money from ATM will be expensive. RBI has approved to increase the charge on cash withdrawal after free transactions. According to RBI, banks will charge Rs 21 from their customers after free transactions," he stated.
Apart from these booking of auto rides online to cost more, buying a car or automobile will be expensive, cement prices to rise to Rs 400 per bag. Steel companies have already increased steel prices by Rs 3,000- Rs 3,500 per ton. India Post Payment Bank increased its charges. People can't even drink a cup of tea comfortably," he told.
PCC president Niranjan Patnaik and former Minister Ganeswar Behera were present.